Re: Turning brass domes--what do I need??

Posted by Derrell Poole on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Turning-brass-domes-what-do-I-need-tp2591p2593.html

First of all - stop looking at the micromark catalog!

Might sound harsh but good model railroad friends do not let model railroad friends waste their money on cheap Chinese made knock-off junk. Instead go the Sherline site and invest in quality American made tools. The operative word here is "invest".

The Chinese ignore patent laws and other peoples intellectual property. I know this from direct experience in other arenas. Micro Mark is of the same ilk - and I know THAT from direct NWSL experience! I also know from direct experience that Micro Mark knock-off power tools do NOT last more than a short time under heavy use! We have drill presses, power supplies, and ultrasonic cleaners from MM that have failed prematurely. None of our Sherline machines have really failed. They have needed service; most things we can do ourselves like replace worn lead screws but even when lathe and mill heads need service Sherline is excellent and relatively inexpensive AND every single part of every single tool is available for replacement. I don't know how tight MMs mill and lathes are either. Someone who uses them can argue for them if they wish - but I seriously doubt they would match even a worn Sherline tool.

So. Stop it!

You will find handy and convenient the short bed lathe, a milling machine, a rotary table with a 90 degree mounting fixture, 1/4" drill chuck, a 3 jaw chuck, cutting tools and mill bits as well as holders, cut-off tools and holder for the lathe, a good digital (and I recommend a good dial) calipers together. These are the things I can think of right now. And you need a moderate size wheel barrow for all the money this will cost.

It isn't hard to learn how to make your own parts. It helps to be able to plan ahead - to kinda see the project ahead of actually cutting metal - sorta like playing chess. Domes and smoke box fronts can be complex and you can paint yourself into a corner. I read somewhere that a good machinist has the ability to plan the part to where the first effort is a successful part. In fact I think it was Joe Martin who said it.

But that doesn't mean us amateurs can't have a good time learning from our mistakes...